BOGOTA, Colombia.
A large group gathered on July 26 at Liceo Segovia (Segovia School) in Bogota, Colombia, to participate in the celebration of the feast of Saint Pedro Poveda.
The event, organized by Teresian Association (TA) in Colombia, was characterized by gestures of fraternity and joyful sharing by two hundred fifty people, whose testimonies speak for themselves:
"We confirm once again that Pedro Poveda lived as he died, that his martyrdom is for many an inspiration for a vocation, service, and personal and social responsibility. To commemorate his martyrdom is an inspiration for us to meet these historical times. Commemorating the death of Pedro Poveda should translate into a celebration full of life, joy, gratitude, and commitment. So we gathered as the Early Christians to continue saying yes to the idea, the dream, and the work of our founder. As it is the case in every encounter, hugs, good wishes, smiles, and sharing were the expressions that we enjoyed as a Teresian family; these were gestures and attitudes filled with life and encouragement to continue the task. In this community young people had their a vital, poignant, and profound presence, which was worthy of imitation."(Angelica Suarez)
"Coming together in community to commemorate the death of Pedro Poveda and celebrate his life was an experience full of love and gratitude. The life of Pedro Poveda calls us as a community to think about reality, to pray, study, share a table, and celebrate with joy. The founder convened us. In the afternoon we met with school students, teachers, staff, parents, friends, and members of the Teresian Association. Joy and simplicity were characteristics of this celebration. We remembered the last Eucharist of Pedro Poveda, the last moments of his life. Once again it was moving to recall how his body was found and by whom ... Readings on the early Christians elicited several comments from some children, teenagers, and adults. It was exciting to share the table and organize it slowly, blessing each of the elements: the tablecloth, dishes, bread, etc. and then share some delicious "onces."
"We feel encouraged when we share how we are walking towards utopia. We see that our students, their families, the teachers, staff, friends, the TA as a whole, will make the idea of Saint Pedro Poveda a reality, walking together and joining forces to bring about social transformation," said Nidia Lopez.
A new and alternate proposal
"There was nothing more welcome than coming together again for this occasion, getting in touch after a long or a short time, to find a place in which to share the legacy, the words, the teachings that Pedro Poveda has given to the world. Finding again people who share that pedagogical thinking of transformation and critical analysis, to hear the views of children from different grades studying at Liceo Segovia, of parents who believe in this proposal and are committed to the new, the alternate, and understand the importance of their role to create an environment of hope, of warmth, of life. " "
In sharing we distinguish plurality. Everyone has his or her own part; even if it is little, each one gives and receives something. Sharing the table where we placed bread, fruit, candles, tablecloth, dishes, and silverware reminded us to be generous, that we can walk giving what we have, (neither money nor gold), but kindness, good intentions, a helping hand or hugs because these are more helpful than giving material things."
We are the Work
"We engaged in dialogue about the legacy left by Pedro Poveda as we read articles that raised our awareness of our work as agents of change, as people who can make changes in the family and in school for the world. We gathered in groups to talk about what was important of what he had sown for each one, and so claim it aloud, and using a plant as a symbol, we made a bouquet of flowers. It is the word that still lives on but even more so, the Work that is still alive.
We were able to recognize in each person present the relevance of that voice coming from far away to Colombia to teach and implement methods of transforming action with communities, with students, in teacher training, and to understand our social situation critically and consciously. Pedro Poveda became a role model, a guide and a flame; but above all a Work that focuses on education, the inclusion of women, speaking up against oppression and continues seeking justice. Thus, the Teresian Association has expanded and is located in different continents.
Meetings like these are invigorating, motivating, and are called to continue building a community. They are a call to see the face of those who are with us and realize that we are more than one. Through fraternity we can continue taking steps that leave a mark. Young children were an example that we have to recognize; they opened our eyes to the fact that everything is an example, and that, we are like young people with ideas that spread to the world. We will continue building through words, actions, and hope for a responsible society that is aware and with memory. "(Laura Peña, young student)
"I enjoyed celebrating this feast in Bogotá very much! ... Poveda’s idea is alive in Colombia. This afternoon was, again, seeing and experiencing life in the people around us. This recreates our own life and experience, and encourages us to live in hope."(María Eugenia Cárdenas)
“I also had a great time. I wondered: what matters most, accounting and financial balance of this earthly life or our life balance when it is finished? While taking pictures I thought in silence about what I would have shared in the written reflections done in groups. I must say that what I admire most in Pedro Poveda is his vision. How could he gather the past, present and future of his actions so that his work would transcend? If the most I achieve with my programs is that they remain fresh a few years and I always to be updating everything, how could Pedro Poveda make with his action the DNA necessary to inspire, after so many years, those of us who are now exchanging these messages and that from the vantage point of our humble work we may be able to collaborate in some way? This man is really a “systems engineer," isn’t he? I would have related well with him even if he had demanded more each day. It is admirable! This is the God of the poor, holding us by his hand. We are to be proud" (Jose Javier Garcia)
Photos: José Javier García
Text: Teresian Association in Colombia